December 10, 2008

1975

Often I am reminded of the day that I realized I was different. I was 4 years old. It was Christmas Eve 1975. Standing in my aunt’s kitchen, lost in the hustle and bustle of preparing dinner for the many mouths in our family, I listened as the women cooed over my older cousin. “She’s so pretty,” one aunt said over and over. Then my cousin bounced past with her blondish hair pulled back in a bright red ribbon and I followed her into the next room. I studied her.

Then I moved to the basement where all of the older cousins were playing pool. Blonde-haired and brown-haired boys laughed and wrestled while the blonde-haired girls sat at the piano. I loved them all so much, even at 4, but I felt so different from them. My black hair and big brown eyes were a vast departure from the rest of the family.

I remember, later that night, asking my mom why I was so different. I don’t remember her answer. Deep down, I think I really wanted to know if I was pretty too.

People tell me now that I am pretty. Men, women… lots of people tell me that I am pretty. People that I don’t even know have written me poems and beautiful notes after having merely seen pictures of me online or after having seen me sing on television. In my adventures in online dating, I have received hundreds of responses and requests to meet. Hundreds. It’s not an exaggeration. And I say that not to brag but to make this point:

When I was 4, I equated the compliment “she’s so pretty” with acceptance. It meant that people were paying attention. And as a child I just wanted people to pay attention and to recognize me and, most of all, to understand me even though I was different from the other kids. The pretty part was the easy part. The rest is still a struggle.

People who don’t know me come the closest to “getting” me. That’s because on paper, I seem worth “getting.” What guy doesn’t want to talk to a girl who cooks and loves football? What man doesn’t want to spend time with someone who is content with having a beer and watching an old John Wayne flick or someone who is ok with just sitting… in silence? People read my profiles or check out my facebook page and they get me a little and they want to know me.

But there must be something that comes in really knowing me that makes me seem less important or less fascinating to others. Or perhaps it is the shallowness of this town that looks past the big brown eyes in the picture or my list of likes and dislikes and maybe even my talent and just sees a big girl. And in this town... that's not what people are looking for.

And it takes me back… to 1975… all over again.

November 12, 2008

Out of Your League

A friend of mine said something interesting the other night. She said, "Michele, guys don't know when they are out of their league." And I've seen evidence to that. I would never consider myself out of a guy's "league" but I do know when I am not a good match for someone. Men seem a little more naive about that.

I hate to keep referring tot he online profile but I must. Your online dating profile is your resume. It speaks of your experience, outlines your desires and details talents. When you post a resume on a job site, you choose the categories or industries in which you would like to work. When you post a profile on a dating site, you select preferences for your mate.

When sifting through the resumes on a job site, employers look for characteristics that are suitable for their open positions. If you have an extensive background in finance, a bank may contact you. If you have years of experience as a forklift driver, the bank is going to pass you over and keep looking.

So it seems to reason, if an online dating profile says "seeking a man between 30 & 40 years of age," guys who are 59, for example, should pass over that resume and keep looking. Or an online dating profile might say, "I'm a tall woman with a little more to love" and viewers of that profile who are obsessed with the gym and would rather not date a woman who weighs over 150 should not even attempt contact. It just ends badly and quite frankly, you're out of your league. Your league is the one with all the petite girls.

It's funny because all for this resume and profile business reminds me of the whole "NO MEANS NO" thing. "No" does not mean maybe. "No" is not another word for "I'll think about it." "No" is not code for "if you keep asking, I might change my mind."

My advice to everyone dating online would be this: read carefully. Know your limits. Know which team your playing for and don't try to play outside of your league.

Is It Just St. Louis?

Is St. Louis the most difficult place in the world to meet someone?

I've believed for a long time that there are a lot of idealists living in St. Louis. On some level, I think it's fantastic. People living by a set of standards that they believe their world should live up to... Why shouldn't you have everything that you believe you deserve? There's a part of me that lives that way. I want the job I want with the pay I am worth. And I want the man that I want too. The problem is... I don't think he's in St. Louis. And I also don't think that I fit within the set of requirements that St. Louis men have set up for their mates.

Four online dating sites and a slew of friends out there keeping their eyes open for my mate and while the "matches" are pouring in, nothing seems to fit.

Is it just St. Louis? Or is this being single after 35 thing a problem everywhere?

November 5, 2008

I'm Dating

So now, I'm dating. Because I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them, dating strangers doesn't really cause me an anxiety. I look at it as an opportunity to make a friend, not as an interview for a husband.

Dating has always seemed like such a farce to this overly cynical single female. People putting their best feet forward, sporting their best date-night outfits, wearing their best, most sparkling smiles... And there are so many rules. Never kiss on the first date. Sex after the third date. Keep dates short. Make the man pay. Not only am I cynical when it comes to dating, I am also rebellious when rules are forced upon me.

So I decided there was only one way to jump into the dating world. MY WAY.

My way involves meeting people and hanging out. We don't call it dating and we certainly don't follow any silly rules. Removing all those details which are impossible to remember anyway, makes it easier to just get to know a person.

My way also includes activity or something I really like so I know I'll have a good time even if my date is a dud. Whether we go bowling or watch a game at a bar or just have some good wine on a patio somewhere, I am entertained (& hopefully so is he). I also feel like a guy has a better chance of seeing the real me if I am having fun.

Finally, my way means going with the flow. If a guy can't handle spontaneity, it shows early. And I know, he might have a hard time wrangling me in. So, while having basic plans in place is necessary, changing it up in the midst can keep things interesting!

At this point, I have met some very nice people and had a nice time. But, the truth is, I am left with the feeling that, I would really just like to hang out with my friends. I can have this much fun with them...

Nothing dazzling or exciting or life-changing yet, dear readers. But... I'm dating.

October 25, 2008

Goodbye, Bob

Bob from O'Fallon closed communication with me today. Quite frankly, I was relieved. Bob and I were not a good match.

So it's onto the 9 guys named Steve or Steven or Stephen... And the 12 guys named Mike or Michael... And the 2 Jimmys, 4 Jeffs and 9 Johns or Jons...

Every day, about six new names show up in my mailbox. Six more possibilities.. Six more opportunities to meet the man of my dreams, to find true love... While it's overwhelming, it is fun reading and learning about all of these people. Some take so much time to give a fair picture of their lives and their desires. Others give one word answers and neglect to post a picture. The effort speaks volumes about the heart. And the questions they ask provides insight to their pasts. It's fascinating even when it's frustrating.

So back to Steve and Mike and Jimmy and sifting through goodbyes and hellos and more possibilities.

October 15, 2008

It's up to me

If I am going to find someone to spend the rest of my life with, I guess it's going to be completely up to me. It's amazing to me that my friends and coworkers think I am fantastic only to the point of setting me up on a date.

Most people have the excuse that they don't know anyone who is single. But I'm not buying that. We are all surrounded by single people. They are out there. I KNOW they are. There are millions of single guys registered on online dating sites all over the internet. So they are out there. It just takes effort to find them. Maybe he's a friend of a friend or the son of your neighbor or the guy who fixes your best friend's car.

I get all of this great advice from married friends. Hang in there. He's out there, just be patient. Don't give up. And that's good and fine. But if my friends and family want me to find this piece of happiness and badly as I do, then people need to start talking me up out there.

The flip side is that people are probably afraid to fix me up. Or they just don't want to. And that's good and fine too. But if that's the case, people need to stop asking me when I'm going to get married or if I have anyone special in my life. And they need to stop offering sage advice. I haven't had a date in almost a year.

What if I am supposed to me him through YOU?

And the beat goes on...

So the process continues... Slowly. But it continues.

I've registered for another dating site called OK CUPID. I am reserving judgement for a while. But my frustrations with eHarmony continue. On a daily basis I have about 145 matches in my in-box. I have initiated communications with 17 of them. Getting to the point where you can communicate directly with a match takes so long. It's an arduous process that I am not sure is worth the time, honestly. But I am going to stick with it and put the needed effort into it.

As for the fixing up, I have one friend who frequently finds a guy for me. God love her. I have yet to go on any dates with any of them but sometimes it is the thought that counts. And another friend of mine introduced me to a friend of hers. We hung out twice but, there was no chemistry on my side.

That's the update at this point! Hopefully, life will start to get a little more exciting soon.

September 29, 2008

Site to Site to Site

A quick, initial comparison of online dating sites leads me to believe that all sites do not work for all people. I have three friends who have found husbands on eHarmony. THREE! And I have another friend who met his wife on Match.com. I know there are a lot of one night stand coming out of sites like craigslist and plentyoffish but that's not what I'm looking for. (I can find that on the dance floor at any bar on Beale Street.) So which site is going to work for me?

A portion of eHarmony's mission statement says "At eHarmony, our patented Compatibility Matching System® narrows the field from millions of candidates to a highly select group of singles that are compatible with you." In my first month on eHarmony, I was matched with over 100 men. I narrowed my settings so they were very specific. Against the suggestion of my friends, I even said that my partner's height was extremely important to me. yet I was still matched with over 100 men, in my area. I am thinking this compatibility system might be a little flawed when it comes to matching me. The OTHER thing I don't like about this site is your ability to cut off communication with a potential match by selecting OTHER as your reason. Is there a better way to give a girl a complex? Even worse? The reason that says "based on statements in their profile, I'm not interested..." Really? Thanks for passing judgment...

Match.com says "We go well beyond the obvious factors like age, interest and zipcode. You can even search by individual MatchWords to really zero in. Our member profiles give you great insight into the unique essence of our members so you can really get to know them before you get to meet them." So far, I've met a couple of guys. We haven't gone out yet but dates are in the works. Most guys seem to be looking for just about anything on Match.com and don't get very specific in their WANTS on their profiles. All I'm saying is if you don't want a big girl like me, you should SAY IT UP FRONT instead of waiting until it's too awkward or you're too chicken to 'fess up.

I am on cupid.com but I haven't really visited since I registered and I haven't gotten any notifications that anyone is interested. (Not surprised, honestly.) And, tonight, I will be giving CrazyBlindDate.com a look-see.

If you have suggestions for any other sites I should check out. Let me know. AdultFriendFinder is NOT an option people. I browsed. It was enjoyable for a moment. A fleeting, passing, moment.

September 28, 2008

Building the Online Profile

For the last few years, I have entered the online dating race but have never really gotten out of the gate. I usually fill out the profile, browse around, get frustrated by the contacts I get and quit before I have a date. But, since we are all embarking on this six months of dating and you all haven't really done your part (hint, hint), I have taken things into my own hands and posted my life resume once again.

I think it is critical to be honest in your profile and I am pretty blunt in mine. I want guys to know what they are getting. I post real, current pictures too.

Just in case you need something to show to ALL those guys you are fixing me up with... here's a glimpse of what I've posted on all those online dating sites:

If you have an appreciation for diversity, in your food, your friends, your music and your experiences...

If you are a die hard, tail-gating football fan, a baseball season ticket holder or you bleed blue...

If you love a good action film but can appreciate the finer points of a drama...

If you have a competitive spirit but a kind heart...

If you are confident but not arrogant... you may be the man for me.

Now... let's take it to another level and be honest about what we want ok?

If you are looking for a short, skinny blonde with a nice rack, I am NOT the girl you are looking for. I am 5'10" with a little more to love and I need a TALL man who can get his arms around me and help me meet my hug quota.

If you want someone who gets jealous when you flirt with her friends (because that's a sign that she really loves you), then I am NOT the girl for you. In the past people have told me that by NOT showing jealousy, it seems as if I don't care. I don't buy that. I want a guy that women love!

Lastly, if you are looking for a woman with no opinion who will agree with everything you say or do... well, then you are just silly. That woman doesn't exist. (And I am certainly not her!) I am not the argumentative type and I am not a big debator. But I enjoy banter now and then and I like to express my opinion through humor.

Now cast your nets people and bring in the big catch. Baseball season is over and I've got some free time!

September 3, 2008

Let's Begin!

We are about to embark on a journey together.

You, my friends and readers, and I are going to take a walk down a six month path toward the rest of my life. I understand if you are scared. So am I. But it's time I learn to trust the people I've allowed into my life. The ones who know me better than I think they do...

My biggest fear in life is ending up alone. Never finding a man with whom I can share my life... But until now, I've always felt like I had plenty of time to find him or to wait for him to find me. Now, six months before my 38th birthday, I no longer feel that way. And so, we begin...

What do I need from YOU? For the next six months, I am asking you to open your eyes and ears and, with keen awareness, help me find him. I want you to talk to strangers in the grocery line and get in touch with old friends and chat up the guy who comes to fix your air conditioner. And if you find someone that "looks" like me, fix me up! For the next six months, I will go out with anyone that YOU think I should date.

What am I going to to? I am going to heed the advice and recommendations of YOU. I am going to actively pursue opportunities that I have let pass me by in the past. I vow to find at least 5 dates on my own over the next 6 months as well. I will do my part. I promise.

Let's begin!

What are you looking for?

So what is it that you're looking for, Michele?
Many people have posed that question. They are curious why it is that I am 37 and single. And I am sure... They are just as shocked and amazed as I am that some decent guy hasn't snatched me up.
The truth is... I don't have a type. And I can't define my "ideal" man. Who he is, is not his hair or eye color or ethnic origin. Who he is, is not the tone of his skin or the size of his hat. Who he is, is not his height or weight or favorite baseball team. I guess all of those things matter. And maybe if I narrowed my choices down to all guys who are 6'2" with brown hair and green eyes, who love Italian food, Irish music and German beer that drive BMWs and carry man bags... It would be easier on all of us. Or harder. Depending on how you look at it.

But I have found in my life that when you narrow things down too much you live less and you learn less. And while life may feel a little safer or more comfortable... You miss out on so much.

If I had been so picky with my friends, I wouldn't know half of you. I love the diversity I find in you. The different foods we eat when we're together and the variety of activities we do. Man... how's this for an AHA moment right here "LIVE" on the blog? Maybe I can't figure out what I want because I am afraid of giving up the possibilities.

All I can say is this...
I like men. I like them all.
I like them ugly. I like them cute. I like them swimming with or without the suit.
I like them rich and I like them poor. I like them looking real good when they walk out the door.
I like them famous and I like them not. And I really like them hot.
I like them funny. I like them loud. I like them confident. I like them proud.
I like them silly and I like them smart. I like them equipped with a big heart.
I like them good with kids and good with cars. I like them from earth and even from mars.
I like men. I like them so much. That I can't narrow it down to such and such.
I like them thick and I like them thin. I like a strong jaw and a pointy chin.
I like them kind. I like them sweet. I like guys without a thing for feet.
I like them talented and willing to share. I like a guy not afraid to care.
I like them tall. And sometimes I like them short. I like them totally into sports.
I like men. I like them all.


I guess the answer to the question is... the possibilities are endless and I am looking to sort through them all until I find someone who fits. Like a good pair of black pants... They aren't easy to find. But once you pick through the racks and wear various styles and even sizes and you find a pair that works for you... You just know it. They feel right. And you want to wear them all the time.

September 1, 2008

One Step at a Time

ONE STEP AT A TIME ~by Jordin Sparks

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world,
but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face seems the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's
Supposed to happen and we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused, and got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight
(When you need to find the strength)
It's the faith that makes you stronger
The only way we get there
Is one step at a time

Take one step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's
Supposed to happen that we
Find the reasons why